Health Coalition Bargaining Update, July 11,
2003
by Wil Harri, IFO Office Administrator
State employee unions, including the IFO, bargain jointly with the State for insurance benefits provided under the collective bargaining agreements. A series of joint bargaining sessions which began in April will now conclude as a component in overall contract bargaining by AFSCME and MAPE scheduled at the end of July. Other unions have routinely agreed to nearly identical insurance packages agreed upon between the State and AFSCME. Sue Rydell (Metropolitan) and I have been the IFO’s representatives in health coalition bargaining.
Asserting its objective of no new dollars for insurance cost for the 2003-2005 biennium the State has proposed a new annual deductible ($200 to $1000 for families), higher drug copays ($17 from the current $12), a higher annual out-of-pocket maximum for drugs ($2000 for families compared to the current $600 maximum), a higher non-drug annual out-of-pocket maximum ($4000 for families from the current $1600) and a preventive dental program only with an annual $400 per person maximum benefit (no fillings, no crowns, no orthodontics).
The State is abandoning its commitment to provide a lesser cost (level 1) clinic within 30 miles of your residence. This proposal will impact most regions of the state with few, if any, clinics qualifying for level 1 status without a “subsidy” from the State Insurance Plan.
After conceding their original projected insurance cost increase for 2004 would be 10% rather than the earlier projected increase of 15% (a reduction of $40 million) the State concluded with a proposed employee-paid premium of $195 a month for dependent health insurance in 2004 which would rise to $224.25 for 2005). The State’s objective is to transfer $145 million of insurance costs for the biennium to its 48,000 employees. On a per employee basis the amount is over $3,000.
The proposed insurance package would be applicable to all state employees including legislators and their staff and the administrators negotiating on behalf of the State.
What can you do?
1. Express your support for the unions’ position (basically maintaining the status quo in coverages and costs) by being an active member of the IFO.
2. Ask your legislators if they participate in the State Insurance Plan and how they feel about the proposed new plan for next year.
3. Tell your dentist that you are losing your dental insurance coverage and ask them to speak to their legislators.
4. Tell your clinic you may no longer be a patient because of their high cost classification.
5. Schedule the orthodontic banding of your son’s or daughter’s teeth before December 31st .
6. Increase your pre-tax deduction for the medical/dental expense account during open enrollment in the fall.
7. Take care of yourself.
8. Speak to your campus negotiator and elected leadership on this matter.
We will keep you apprised as negotiations continue. Thank you for your attention on this matter.